SCIENCE IN A FREE SOCIETY

by Paul Feyerabend ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 15, 1978

Feyerabend mounts a scathing attack on science in this text, which is partly a continuation of themes developed in Against Method (1975) and a rebuttal to critics of that volume. The triumphs of science are its downfall, says the Viennese-born philosopher, now at Berkeley. Science, cozy with government, occupies a position of tyranny in Western society incommensurate with the free exchange of ideas which should be enjoyed in a democracy. He also mounts Illich-like attacks on the educational system and the medical profession, as well as on philosophers of science of the post-Wittgenstein, post-Popper generation. Fools, says Feyerabend, accusing his critics of misreadings and stupidity, selfdeception or the inability to distinguish between straight argument and a reductio ad absurdum. Leaving aside the too-clever-by-half tone of the book, there is an important message: that the process of decision-making or consensus in scientific ideas is not a product of reason nor of the rules of deduction and induction nor of any other conventional method described in elementary science courses. The logic of scientific discovery simply isn't logical. Here Feyerabend makes some telling points, and his brief digression into autobiography to describe the evolution of his ideas helpfully clarifies his position (and, incidentally, explains his dramatic/disputatious/didactic style). He goes on to say that equal weight should be given to competing avenues of knowledge such as witchcraft, astrology, cults, and subcults. (He has been helped by faith healers.) All should be allowed free expression of their ideas as long as there is no interference with the freedom of others who don't want to be included. But can such assurance be so glibly given? Feyerabend accuses philosophers of having dreams of reason, but he himself appears to have a dream of perfect, responsible democracy. In reality, limits are always imposed. We may fight the degree of restriction, but we assent to the doctrine of clear and present danger. Feyerabend's passionate clamor for freedom and anarchy seems especially hollow in the light of the recent events in Guyana.

Pub Date: Dec. 15, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: New Left Books--dist. by Shocken

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1978

Categories: NONFICTION